For St. Thomas Aquinas football signees, the earlier the better

When St. Thomas Aquinas quarterback John O'Korn got an unusual request from his new coach, he was happy to oblige.

Before National Signing Day on Wednesday, Houson coach Tony Levine asked O'Korn if he would be willing to be the Cougars' first signee. O'Korn was happy to oblige, sending his Letter of Intent shortly after 7 a.m.

“I told him I was all for it. I thought it was a good idea,” O’Korn said. “It was a huge relief and such a blessing to experience that. Today was something so many kids dream of. To experience it with my family was such an accomplishment.”

O'Korn shared news of his early signing via social media. Signing shortly thereafter was Raiders defensive lineman Joey Bosa, one of the nation's top defensive recruits. He signed with Ohio State.

While the Raiders have traditionally held their formal National Signing Day ceremony in the afternoon, players send their signed letters early, taking pressure off both themselves and the colleges that have recruited them.

But despite St. Thomas' best efforts, there was one hiccup Wednesday morning: an accident on I-95 that delayed traffic.

That said, everyone managed to ink their letters and Raiders coach Rocco Casullo said he expects to have more players signing in coming weeks.

“This is what it’s all about. This is why we coach high school football,” he said. “Our staff is honored to send 18 guys to college today. It was an exciting day, an exciting morning. It’s big for them and it’s even bigger for me. You’re working just as hard for these kids during the month of January as you are when preparing for the playoffs.”